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Hypothyroidism is a disease that develops as a result of a decrease or lack of production and   blood   thyroid hormones. The latter produces two main hormones – triiodothyronine and tetraiodothyronine , which are called T3 and T4 for simplicity. “Guides” the production of thyroid hormones thyroid-stimulating hormone of the pituitary gland (TSH). If T3 and T4 become low, then the pituitary receives a signal, and the level of TSH in the blood increases, which stimulates the production of thyroid hormones.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism: weakness, constipation, hair loss

In adults (more often women) hypothyroidism is manifested by fatigue, changes in blood pressure, disorders of the digestive system, excessive sensitivity to cold,   hair loss, weight gain that is difficult to lose, dry skin, menstrual disorder, swelling, as well as weakness, fatigue, reluctance to do anything and depressed mood. These latter symptoms bring hypothyroidism closer to depression, which is also characterized by similar manifestations.

Naturally, doctors and patients are wondering if there is a link between depression and hypothyroidism, and how to distinguish between these two conditions. In addition, they can be combined in one patient. It is logical to assume that before treating depression the patient should check the level of thyroid hormones (with hypothyroidism, the level of T4 is reduced, and TSH is increased), and vice versa – if under the influence of hormone replacement therapy, which is used for hypothyroidism, symptoms of depression do not pass, refer the patient to psychotherapist.

How often do hypothyroidism and depression

The relationship between depression and hypothyroidism has long been identified. Statistics show that depression develops in 40-66% of patients with hypothyroidism. And some experts believe that depression in hypothyroidism is more common than in the general population, regardless of how well hypothyroidism is treated.

Russian scientists conducted a study in which patients with hypothyroidism were asked to answer the questions of the Hamilton test (a questionnaire to detect depression). It turned out that moderate depression occurred in 72.9% of patients with overt symptoms of hypothyroidism. The authors came to the conclusion that the signs of depression are the initial manifestations of hypothyroidism. On the other hand, implicit hypothyroidism is diagnosed in 9–52% of patients with depression.

Signs of Depression Against Hypothyroidism: Anxiety

Depression is characterized by reduced mood, loss of the ability to enjoy life, loss of interest in things that previously could be carried away, decreased activity, vigor, slowed thought processes, decreased performance, decreased attention and memory, feelings of guilt, thoughts of their own uselessness and worthlessness, insomnia or drowsiness. In severe cases, it comes to reluctance to live and thoughts about suicide.

According to doctors, on the background of hypothyroidism, depression is more severe. Often there is the so-called astenodepressive syndrome, when the symptoms of depression are combined with asthenia, that is, weakness, lack of strength. It manifests itself as irritability, tearfulness, and at the same time, lethargy of emotions, lack of initiative , inhibition of physical and mental activity.

Patients with hypothyroidism are also peculiar   anxiety, even panic attacks. They talk more actively about their complaints than patients with depression without hypothyroidism. In the absence of hypothyroidism, patients often have a pessimistic mood, low self-esteem, whereas hypothyroidism is not characteristic of pessimism, but there is a tendency to hypochondria – fear of complications, fear that the treatment will not work.

Treatment of depression in hypothyroidism

Researchers have found that antidepressant treatment is less effective if depression occurs in the setting of hypothyroidism. In a third of patients after the elimination of hypothyroidism, no signs of depression are observed. However, with the addition of triiodothyronine to thyroxin treatment, that is, the actual hormone T3, depression occurred in 90% of cases.

It is important to note that both diseases respond well to treatment, although they are treated differently. And you can get rid of that and the other. If there are symptoms of depression, it makes sense to turn to a psychotherapist who, if the treatment fails, will refer the patient to an endocrinologist to check the level of thyroid hormones. A competent doctor is able to pick up such antidepressants that will relieve the state of depression, if it persists after the treatment of hypothyroidism for three to four months.

The link between depression and hypothyroidism

Some doctors call the thyroid gland the “battery” of our body. With the insufficiency of its hormones, all processes, including metabolism, slow down, thermoregulation is disturbed. Most of all, it is the nervous and digestive systems that suffer from hypothyroidism. It is not for nothing that in case of congenital hypothyroidism in children, in the absence of timely treatment, mental retardation develops. The normal functioning of the thyroid gland makes people energetic, active. And with a lack of her hormones, lethargy, weakness, depressed mood and other signs appear.

Depression, to put it simply, develops with a deficiency in the body of a substance called   serotonin. In hypothyroidism, there is a violation of the metabolism and the production of certain mediators (serotonin also belongs to mediators). Symptoms of depression will overlap with signs of hypothyroidism. But the intake of properly selected antidepressants can get rid of depression, as well as the intake of synthetic thyroid hormones allows you to get rid of hypothyroidism. Thus, both diseases are connected not only by the clinical picture (partially), but also by biochemical changes in the body. By the way, interestingly, an excess of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism) can also cause symptoms of depression.

Adolescent depression is not a temporary emotional decline, but a serious illness requiring urgent and adequate treatment. If depression is delayed and goes into a severe form, it causes serious health problems, significantly worsens the quality of life and in the worst cases leads to suicide.According to the World Health Organization, suicide ranks third in the list of causes of death among adolescents in the age group 15–19 years. And in some regions of Europe and Asia, this is the main or second leading cause of adolescent mortality. How to notice and recognize depression in time? What should take   parents to help your child? Let us examine these questions in this article.

Depression in adolescence

Adolescence is a period of emotional instability, strong internal experiences, increased vulnerability to stress factors. Teenagers are keenly aware of even the most insignificant difficulties, they endure every failure with difficulty. They suffer from self-doubt, are too anxious about their body and appearance, often in conflict with their parents, often display irritability, lack of balance, aggressiveness in communication. In favorable conditions, the adolescent manages to successfully cope with the emotional and psychological difficulties of puberty. Under adverse circumstances, age-related emotional instability is transformed into various forms of mental disorders.

The formation of depression in adolescence is influenced by many factors: genetic predisposition, unhealthy family atmosphere, low social status, loss of one of the parents, bullying, etc. Depression is a serious mental disorder that does not go away on its own over time. Depression negatively affects all areas of a child’s life and, if left untreated, leads to such tragic consequences as disability and suicide. The problem is exacerbated by the lack of support from parents. Adults often blame the first manifestations of depression in adolescents on the peculiarities of transitional age and leave the child alone with a dangerous disease.

Depression in adolescents: symptoms

Depressive states   teenagers   Symptoms include:

• reduced mood, pessimism prevails with a sense of hopelessness and hopelessness, sadness, despondency, acute melancholy;
• fatigue, loss of strength, lethargy, apathy;
• irritability, incontinence, anger;
• tearfulness;
• loss of interest in previous hobbies;
• the child throws his studies, his performance at school decreases;
• self-isolation, thirst for solitude (even for those children who previously differed sociability);
• chronic anxiety, increased anxiety;
• sense of inferiority;
• inadequate guilt;
• loss of appetite, sleep problems;
• psychosomatic pains in different parts of the body (back, head, abdomen);
• memory impairment, reduced concentration;
• suicidal thoughts.

Some symptoms are mild. Some of them may not appear at all. The presence of depression can be assumed in the event that there is a large part of the above symptoms.

How to recognize depression by teen behavior?

It is quite difficult for a non-specialist to detect the presence of depression, especially if a teenager suffering from this disease tends to hide his condition. But there are several indirect signs that can help parents recognize depression in a child. They are related to the behavior of a teenager.The following behavioral manifestations can signal the presence of depression:

• Escape from home.

A child can really run away or just threaten to do it. Even words that are not supported by action should be taken seriously. They can not be regarded as manipulation or blackmail. This is an alarming signal, a demonstration of emotional distress, a cry for help, which should not be ignored.

• The decline in performance.

If a child began to study poorly and began to skip school, there could be many reasons for this: educational overload, problems with teachers or classmates, irresponsibility, laziness, etc. But it could also be a developing depression. This disease is accompanied by inhibition of thinking, memory impairment, inability to concentrate, a decrease in motivation to study and other activities.

• Insulation, craving for solitude.

With developing depression, a teenager may stop communicating with old friends. He is gradually fenced off from others and shuts himself.   The network of his social contacts is increasingly narrowing. Often a teenager prefers virtual communication to real. In severe cases, he may cease to leave the house altogether.

• Manifestations of aggressiveness, violent acts.

The aggressive behavior of adolescents testifies to the helplessness, confusion and inability of an immature person to independently cope with their problems. Often aggressive behavior is demonstrated by those adolescents who themselves have been abused. Aggression is manifested in frequent conversations about violence, outbursts of anger, verbal and physical violence. One of the indicators of adolescent depression is self-aggression, self-harm, desire for self-harm.

• Substance use.

A depressed person often resorts to alcohol and drugs in order to at least temporarily stifle pain, turn off consciousness and escape from unbearable reality.

• Risky behaviors.

A teenager can deliberately provoke extreme situations in order to get a powerful adrenaline rush and thus switch, temporarily block the symptoms of depression. What is adolescent risk behavior? This occupation of extreme sports, participation in offenses, risky cheeky behavior, dangerous self, walking on roofs, construction sites, etc. This also includes experiments with drugs, smoking, drinking alcohol, self-harming.

Adolescence itself is a difficult period. Almost every teenager tries certain forms of behavior that deviate from established norms. Parents will have to make some effort to recognize depression, and then help the child get out of this state.

What should parents do?

When a teenager manifests   signs of depression, parents often get lost or become more stringent, exert psychological pressure, increase demands on the child, which should not be done in any way. Under constant pressure and strict control, a teenager may even withdraw into himself or go into open conflict with adults, and his painful condition will be aggravated. To successfully resolve a difficult problem, parents need to act as follows:

• Try to call the child to a confidential conversation. A teenager should be gently questioned about his feelings and anxieties, avoiding notations and not turning the conversation into an interrogation. The technique of active listening used in psychological practice will help to build a conversation correctly.
• You can not blame the child for weakness, shame him, demand to take himself in hand, cheer up, do not limp. Depression is not a voluntary choice of a person or something contrived, frivolous. She, like any other disease, can not be defeated by willpower. Depression is a serious and insidious disease that requires skilled treatment.
• Parents need to convince the child that in the family they accept him as he is and love unconditional love.
• You can not devalue the experiences of a teenager and make fun of his hobbies. To an adult, adolescent experiences may seem exaggerated and groundless, and problems insignificant. But for a teenager, this is not at all the case. In adolescence, even minor difficulties are perceived as global insoluble problems. As for hobbies, parents need to respect the choice of the child, even if from a height of age he seems to them stupid, strange or ridiculous.

If a teenager does not make contact with his parents, he may open up to a specialist. Sometimes children more easily agree to a frank conversation with a stranger than with a loved one. In any case, a specialist will have to turn to: a person who is depressed needs the help of a psychiatrist and a psychologist. Initially, the specialist will make an accurate diagnosis through interviews, testing, testing. Then, medication treatment will be prescribed: antidepressants, anxiolytics, etc. Psychotherapy is required: individual or group sessions.

Today it is no secret to anyone that the tides during menopause exist. And that mood swings and depression are not women’s moods, as some claim, but the concomitant symptoms of menopause.

Climax and depression

According to the laws of medicine   climax   in women occurs after about 45 years. There are diagnostic methods that are almost 100% likely to indicate the onset of menopause – an ultrasound scan and an analysis of hormones. But in most cases, women themselves can make a diagnosis.Irritability, tearfulness, turning into despair, and depression – from moderate to severe – all these symptoms may indicate the onset of menopause. And if nervousness is reinforced by the autumn blues, a short light day, dreary weather and experiences, then it is even worse. And in this case, the quirky female mind begins to invent all sorts of versions on the topic of depression in women and ways to combat it. Today we will present the most common myths and tell you if they have a basis.

Anti-depression foods

They say that sweets help to cope with depression. In fact, the nature of this disorder is so diverse that it is quite difficult to give an unambiguous answer beyond a particular case. Indeed, some people, especially those with a tendency to heightened anxiety, seize depression, absorbing sweet  Food   a lot. And some of them actually help to lift your spirits. These are black chocolate, dates, figs, bananas, which owe their antidepressant properties to the content of tryptophan – the precursor to the hormone of happiness, serotonin. The use of these products helps to relieve tension for a while and calm down. However, a decrease in the level of this hormone is only one of the causes of depression. In the case of chronic stress, the level of stress hormone increases – cortisol, which, in addition to lowering mood, can lead to problems such as weight gain, increased pressure, mental disorder. With a high level of this hormone, a person can form a behavioral stereotype in which food intake becomes uncontrollable and turns into one of the ways to relieve tension, rather than alleviate hunger.

Depression in women develops more often than in men. And blame this climax and PMS

Indeed, depression in women develops more often than in men. But the assertion that only climax is to blame for this does not have scientific evidence. Unpleasant and sometimes painful symptoms of PMS or menopause can spoil the mood, like any other malaise, but it will not necessarily be depression in women.

Many diseases develop amid depression

Such a relationship actually exists. Various somatic disorders can be manifestations of depression. Previously, in the classifications of mental illness there was even such a definition as massed depression. It talked about disorders involving physical pain – headache, heart, joint, and eating disorders (bulimia and anorexia), sleep disorders, and so on. As a rule, such patients receive an appointment with a psychiatrist after other specialists cannot identify the cause of physical indisposition.

Social networking provokes signs of depression

Some people try to cope with the signs of depression through social networking. However, there is an opinion that any trolling or lack of likes for the selfies laid out can aggravate the depression even more. We will not categorically reject such a way of communication. Methods for getting rid of depression can be different, it depends on the nature of the disease and the reason for its development. But in any case, communication, both among friends and online, is a powerful factor that can have not only a negative impact on the human psyche, but also a positive one.

The magical properties of antidepressants

Argued that antidepressants are the best way to neutralize   signs of depression. Indeed, taking antidepressants is one of the steps on the road to recovery. By improving mood, depression medications give a person the opportunity to more adequately perceive the world around him and assess his own state. However, do not forget about the dangers of self. Antidepressants are serious drugs, the uncontrolled use of which can lead to the development of undesirable complications.

Bad mood is depression

It is believed that a bad mood, apathy, lack of desire to do something are 100% signs of depression. And there is no other way out of this situation, except as a treatment by a psychiatrist. This is fundamentally wrong. In fact, the blues, gloom, apathy, bad mood do not always become manifestations of depression. Moreover, in most cases, depressive states disappear without the help of a specialist. This is a mild mental disorder that was triggered by psychological stress. A favorable solution to the conflict or a change in attitude towards the situation destroys the cause of the discomfort and, accordingly, the reason for the experience. As a result, depression retreats. No wonder they say: “Let go of the situation, and it will become easier.”

Depression is a chronic disease

It is said that if a diagnosis of depression was made once, then it will definitely happen again, and not once. Not necessary. It all depends on the cause and severity of the disorder. If there is a genetic predisposition, this probability does exist. However, heredity is not the only and far from the main cause of this condition. And in all other cases, repetition may not be.

Severe depression can be managed without the help of a specialist

It is believed that the treatment of depression, even severe – it is a waste of money. It is better to take a vacation, go to the sea and rethink your life there. The decision will come by itself, and will remove everything as a hand. Such advice is often heard by people suffering from a severe form of the disease. In fact, in severe and moderately severe depression, rethinking of one’s past and future life often occurs in a negative context. Therefore, it is rather difficult to get out of this state without the help of a specialist.

If the patient is constantly suffering from muscle pain, sleep disturbances, migraine attacks or digestive problems, he may not expect a diagnosis of depression at all. But there is a chance that   depression   provokes changes in the physical body, even without serious emotional deviations, feelings of sadness or anxiety. And the long-term unrecognized presence of such depression threatens the development of serious somatic, neurological diseases or endocrine disorders.

Signs of depression: not always mood and emotions

A serious depressive disorder is a condition that is characterized primarily by persistent, depressed mood and a lack of interest in life. But many people do not know that depression has a number of other symptoms, and they are not just psychological. In fact, most of the signs that characterize  depression, are physical, that is – it is the signals of their own body. Manifestations range from changes in the rhythm and depth of sleep, appetite fluctuations and a feeling of weakness in the morning, to common body pain, headache and gastrointestinal disorders. Symptoms on the part of the body are so common that their assessment and identification is an integral part of the diagnosis of depression.

But too often during the diagnostic process, the psychological symptoms recede into the background in relation to the physical. As a result, patients and doctors do not realize that the problem in the first place is depression. According to doctors, screening people for not only physical, but also emotional symptoms is important for effective treatment.

Connection of depression with body problems

Doctors can not explain why it is depression associated with many physical ailments, why suffer   body. But along with bad mood and loss of pleasure in life, depressed patients often notice that they experience discomfort in different areas of the body. For example, a lower back or stomach ache. There may also be headache or chronic constipation, diarrhea and other symptoms of digestive disorders. Often, a person develops numbness or tingling in the extremities or parts of the body. The patient will try to detect the source of discomfort by looking for a physical cause, various diseases, such as thyroid problems or low blood hemoglobin. At the same time, a person, however, does not realize that it is not the body that actually suffers, but his brain.

Various pains, discomfort “from the head”

Although there is no single scientific explanation for this series of physical symptoms, scientists know that depression reduces the pain threshold. The brain combines psychology and general physiology. Areas that modulate or regulate mood also regulate pain. If they are out of order due to depression, people may experience pain or even severe pain in different parts of the body. It is also noted that depression causes changes in the vegetative system that can lead to gastrointestinal disorders.

Not all physical symptoms of depression — fatigue, lack of concentration, or intestinal problems — have a definite medical explanation. The exact reasons why people with depression experience pain that feels stronger than usual, or why they suffer from constipation, have decreased activity, are not yet clear.

Search for a disease, not mental problems

Doctors say that when patients experience the physical “side effects” of depression, their first instinctive desire is to see a doctor to determine what is wrong, what diseases they have. Once at the doctor’s office, they vividly describe the physical symptoms, manifestations, respond to a series of clarifying questions, and can undergo laboratory tests. Together with the doctor, they are looking for an easily identifiable physical response – the presence of a specific disease. Often they simply do not mention that they feel depressed, and a busy doctor who does not deal with mental health, but somatic, does not assess their emotional state, except for somatic diseases or infections.

It is quite normal for doctors to examine patients for diabetes, to exclude the development of hypertension and blood pressure surges. Screening patients for depression is not very common. Therefore, if the patient himself in the listing of complaints does not provide several typical symptoms (no interest in life, everything seems gray, apathy, drowsiness) that make up the diagnosis of clinical depression, often the diagnosis is incorrect.

Bad sleep, mood and appetite – this is not the norm!

Even if doctors ask patients if they are depressed, they do not always get a clear answer. Sometimes a person focuses on his pain in the abdomen or back, and cannot mention the poor mood or disturbed sleep accompanying them because he is afraid of the stigma of mental illness. In other cases, patients are simply not aware of the signs of depression and have no idea what they are experiencing. And sometimes they think that this is normal – poor sleep, depression, a feeling of sadness, so they do not mention that their frequent migraines are also accompanied by depression.

Many believe that poor sleep, lethargy or drowsiness – is the result of hard work, failure in the mode or just age. But in reality, sleep problems are often one of the manifestations of depression. Sometimes it is difficult to accurately describe all the sensations that arise, their close intertwining, plus, some patients are simply not so psychologically minded, and it may be difficult for them to turn the emotions that they experience into words. Therefore, they may feel bad, they have a disturbed sleep, mood, but it is easier to say that their back hurts, they feel tired and irritated, than to describe the nuances.

Recognize and treat depression

Does a recurring headache combined with a feeling of indisposition always mean that the patient has clinical depression? Doctors say it is not always clear. Depression is a complex disease, and it presents various symptoms and their combinations. It is difficult to describe the “normal” feelings and depressive. However, there is a difference between isolated pain in the arm, which is probably musculoskeletal, and many of the combined physical symptoms that commonly occur in depressed patients. Therefore, doctors should monitor patients for problems such as pain, irritable bowel syndrome and sleep disorders, and then check them for emotional symptoms to rule out depression.

If physical symptoms are indeed part of clinical depression, the patient is likely to need treatment, exercise, and medication. As emotional symptoms improve, so do physical ones. However, symptoms should be assessed on an ongoing basis. If they do not disappear, another treatment may be required.

There are people whose mood is not at all festive: incomprehensible   depression   for no apparent reason does not relax. What is the reason? It is said that taking hormonal contraceptives can cause depression in women. Is it so?

Hormonal contraception: undeniable benefits

Hormonal   contraception   firmly entered our lives. Many years have passed since the first pills appeared that could prevent an unwanted pregnancy. Since then, much has changed. It’s time to sum up.

What are the advantages of combined oral contraceptives?

• This is one of the most reliable methods of contraception, subject to the rules of their admission;
• They are very convenient to use;
• Allow to reduce the number of abortions and related complications;
• The risk of menstrual disorders, the formation of cysts in the ovaries, inflammation of the pelvic organs, ectopic pregnancy, uterine fibroids, benign breast tumors, osteoporosis, iron deficiency anemia, rheumatoid arthritis and some other pathologies are reduced.

Before using hormonal contraceptives, it is obligatory to consult a gynecologist, and in some cases an endocrinologist and other related specialists. In addition, there are contraindications to the use of hormonal contraceptives in general, or these restrictions apply to certain groups of drugs. It is difficult and wrong for a woman to figure out on her own whether hormonal contraceptives can be taken and which ones. This is the task of the female doctor.

Disadvantages of hormonal contraception

However, hormonal contraceptives are still chemically created substances that in the body enter into different reactions. Consequently, in addition to contraception, they have other effects. There are undesirable effects of tablets, which in all patients are expressed in varying degrees and in different combinations. Someone does not notice the side effects at all. And someone even has to abandon this method of protection from unwanted pregnancy. But in advance it is impossible to predict how the drug will be transferred to each specific patient. Even cases of genetic sensitivity to individual components of the drug are described.

There is still a significant drawback in this method: it does not protect against genital infections. Therefore, it is recommended to use hormonal contraception, or in combination with barrier methods, or be regularly checked for sexually transmitted infections by both partners, not to lead a promiscuous sex life.

Side effects of the nervous system

According to the classification of side effects, the most common adverse reactions include mental disorders: frequent mood swings, depression, decreased sexual desire for a partner. These effects are associated with the influence of the gestagen component of the drug. It is believed that transient depression while taking COCs occurs in no more than 6% of women. This figure may vary depending on the particular drug. All hormonal contraceptives differ from each other both in composition and in doses of active substances.

Studies concerning the study of the side effects of hormonal contraceptives on the female body show that a greater number of side effects disappear during the first three months of taking the drug. This applies to both side effects from the nervous system and other systems. If you save pronounced side effects for a longer time, it is recommended to consult a gynecologist to determine whether the reactions that have occurred are related to the use of contraceptives, or for other reasons. If a connection is identified with a hormonal drug, the question of its replacement or cancellation will be decided.

Is there a relationship between the side effects of the drug and the general state of health of the woman? Yes there is. Studies have been carried out that can predict a greater risk of the occurrence of certain side effects depending on what chronic diseases the woman has initially. As for depression, such a risk factor is the presence of hypothyroidism (reduced thyroid function). That is, the occurrence of depression while taking COCs may become an indication for examination by an endocrinologist.

What is depression?

It is difficult to determine the true number of depressive conditions in women taking combined oral contraceptives. Depression cannot be traced laboratory, it cannot be put on ultrasonography (ultrasound examination), and on the X-ray picture the depression is also not visible. Accordingly, it is necessary either to rely on the patient’s data from a psychiatrist, or to conduct a survey of patients in order to find out the frequency of depressive disorders.

Can you trust the survey? This moment is very controversial. After all, each in its own way understands the term “depression.” Even though this word has become very fashionable even among teenagers, it is still a psychiatric diagnosis. Someone decides that he is depressed because he does not want to go to work in the morning and see his colleagues. Someone cries every day for any reason, while others even attend suicidal thoughts. Do each of these people have depression?

However, even the presence of true depression in a girl or woman does not mean that it is caused by taking hormonal contraceptives. It is important to see what happens in her life? Perhaps, she works in three jobs and barely makes ends meet in order to feed the older child? Maybe she recently lost a loved one or experienced a betrayal? The occurrence of depression in such circumstances of life is understandable. And in this case, it is not a change of contraceptive that is required, but specialized assistance from a psychiatrist and a psychologist. The obstetrician-gynecologist, the receptionist at the clinic, does not have enough time to talk heart to heart with each patient, and this is not his responsibility.

Summer is coming to an end, which means that it is not far off the mountains, gloomy days and autumn bad weather. Seasonal   depression and a bad mood are frequent satellites of this time of year. We will tell m how to organize their lives to be saved from autumn melancholy and always be in good shape.

Sleep and the beginning of the day

A good mood depends on how the night is spent. Full sleep restores strength, fills with vigor and energy, which contributes to a joyful attitude. But sleepy person rarely meet in the morning with a smile on his face. For each there is its own rate of the duration of a night’s sleep, but on average, this figure ranges from 7-9 hours. With regard to the time of bedtime, experts advise to listen to your body and go to bed at the first symptoms of fatigue and drowsiness. No interesting activity can replace a healthy night’s rest, which results in a good state of health and optimism in the morning.

To sleep was healthy, evening classes should be as relaxed and soothing as possible. Therefore, in the evening it is worth refusing:

• showdowns;
• solving production problems;
• viewing unbalanced shows or movies;
• the use of gadgets, the blue radiation from which stimulates the brain;
• sports and hard physical work;
• alcohol;
• heavy and plentiful food.

The ideal lesson before bedtime is reading a book in a dim light. If it is impossible to abandon the computer or tablet, it is recommended to dim the screen brightness.

Good well-being and cheerful mood are just as important to properly organize the start of the day. Psychologists do not advise starting the morning with social networking and news. Light exercise will help you get a boost of energy, starting with sipping in bed, pleasant music and a hearty breakfast. A great addition to this can be fresh air (walk or just walk to work).

Walking and Exercise

Fresh air, physical activity and sunlight are indispensable conditions for successfully resisting depression and depression. Numerous studies have shown that vitamin D, which is synthesized by the body under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, improves mood. Therefore, it is useful to expose the exposed parts of the body to the sun: face, hands, forearms. On average, 10–15 minutes of exposure to the sun three times a week is considered a sufficient dose for the synthesis of the required amount of vitamin D by an adult’s body. Under the influence of daylight, another important substance for a good mood is produced – a neurotransmitter.   serotonin, which is called the hormone of happiness. It improves the quality of sleep, has a beneficial effect on all body systems and effectively fights depression symptoms. With a lack of daylight in the autumn-winter period, experts recommend bright artificial lighting of the premises.

In addition to sunlight, fresh air and especially physical activity under the open sky have a positive effect on mood. Even simple slow walks are useful. Oxygen optimizes the work of the heart and blood vessels, strengthens the immune system, improves digestion and metabolism.Communication with nature relieves nervous tension, anxiety and stress, calms.

Exercise in the fresh air (sports, cycling, hiking, dancing or working in the garden) not only improves one’s health and energizes, sadness and worries disappear, and problems no longer seem insurmountable. Some researchers argue that motor activity is just as effective in treating depression as is medication. And this is not surprising, since physical efforts contribute to the release of endorphins, which can lead a person into a state of euphoria.

Nutrition: mood enhancing foods

When the light day decreases, the weather worsens and walks become rare, and proper nutrition will help replenish the supplies necessary to maintain a good mood. A certain choice of products allows you to prevent the shortage of these substances.

• Vitamin D can be found in fish oil, fish liver and fish itself. The most valuable in this respect are herring, mackerel, cod, red fish. Smaller amounts of vitamin D are found in meat, hard cheeses, butter, and dairy products.
• The synthesis of serotonin contributes to the use of foods containing tryptophan. These include: chocolate, turkey, rabbit, chicken, cheese and dairy products, nuts, legumes, mushrooms, bananas, dried fruits.
• Vitamins and minerals are needed to improve the absorption of tryptophan. These are, above all, the B vitamins (oatmeal, buckwheat, brewer’s yeast, liver and seafood), as well as potassium, magnesium, zinc, which are considered to be anti-stress minerals. They are in large quantities in combination with the necessary vitamins found in vegetables and fruits (dried fruits, pumpkin, zucchini, tomatoes, asparagus, spinach, peaches, potatoes).

To maintain vigor and good mood, it is important to ensure that food is complete, contains all food groups. It is unacceptable to starve even if you want to lose weight. The body in such a situation lacks the nutrients necessary for normal functioning, which worsens health and inevitably adversely affects the state of mind. It has long been proven, moreover, that weight loss diets do not provide the desired results in the long term. More useful is moderation and a decrease in caloric intake as a permanent condition, as well as physical   exercises.

Positive psychology against symptoms of depression

Finding positive qualities, hidden resources and developing them is another powerful way to prevent depression and depression. Representatives of the positive   psychology   One of these hidden resources is creativity and the desire to help others. Depression does not threaten anyone who is immersed in an interesting business or caring for loved ones. Goodwill, the desire to help, comfort, encourage the needy at least with a word or a smile are absolutely necessary for the mental well-being of a person. In addition, giving their warmth or sharing something material, giving not only feels moral satisfaction, but also receives a positive response in the form of recognition, gratitude or joy.

In accordance with the ideas of positive psychology, another way to form a good mood is to develop the skill of fixing the positive moments of everyday life. It is necessary to learn to stop your attention on them, to enjoy them, to rejoice in them, to keep them in your own memory. Also a very important quality for feeling the joy of being is the ability to smile and laugh. The researchers claim that under stress or despondency, 60 seconds of laughter is enough to begin the work of the brain to reduce the production of stress hormones and improve mood. Moreover, this effect, as scientists say, occurs even if a person forces himself to smile or laugh against his own desire. With the approach of autumn you should not give in to sadness, you just need to revise your habits and continue to enjoy life.

Postpartum depression is a condition that occurs in a woman after she becomes a mother. What causes it to appear? What is the effect of depression on the psychology of mother and child? Answers can be obtained from this article.

Factors affecting the development of depression

A young mother after childbirth may be depressed if there is one or more factors in life that lead to a depressed emotional state.

Psychological reasons

• Accidental, undesirable, difficult pregnancy. In this case, the woman could not unconsciously accept the fact of the development of the pregnancy and the fact that she would soon become a mother. Perhaps she was frightened by the difficulties that she might encounter after the birth of the child, she had no support from loved ones or a willingness to become a mother.
• Conflicts in the family or with a partner. When relationships in the family are not established – the spouses often quarrel, there is no intimacy between them, there is no understanding – then often the woman’s strength and energy goes to experience and excitement. Constantly thinking about relationships, she is not able to rejoice at the birth of a child – to wait and love him, to accept after birth the way he is, to be brought up.
• Emotional fatigue. This happens if the mother already has one or more children, there are financial difficulties in the family, there is no help and support from close people. In this case, the woman understands that she does not have the strength to communicate with the baby, care for him and bring up.
• Unverified expectations. It happens when a child is born of the wrong sex, or at the wrong time. Perhaps the woman had certain expectations from pregnancy and the birth of the baby, and when they are not justified, she experiences experiences.

Physiological causes

• Changes in hormonal background. Childbirth, as a process, is already a stressful factor that can lead to the development of depression. After the baby is born, a woman may feel bad – she is dizzy, unwell, and the work of some internal organs is disturbed. Against this background, it is difficult for a young mother to feel cheerful and happy.
• Difficulty in breastfeeding. Lack of milk, cracks in the nipples, the need to transfer the child to artificial feeding can cause depression.

Signs of depression in the mother

Sometimes depression can be hidden behind bad mood, general fatigue, irritability, nervousness. Signs in the behavior of a woman who should alert her and her close people in order to prevent the development of the disease and help the young mother in time to help include:

• Weeping and melancholic behavior. This condition is accompanied by complaints of chronic fatigue, a pathological feeling of loneliness, perhaps a manifestation of panic attacks, various anxieties and fears – for oneself, the child’s life, his health and condition.
• Guilt. It can be so intense that a woman literally “lives” in him – she scolds herself for not having a good enough mother, can not give the child everything she needs, makes mistakes when she takes care of him or brings him up.
• Irritability, aggressive behavior. A woman when her first signs attack   depressed after childbirth, may manifest unwarranted outbursts of anger towards the baby or close people. As a result, quarrels often break out in the family, ending in women’s tears, tantrums, and in some cases suicidal thoughts or attempts to end up with life.
• Sleep disturbance, loss of appetite, increased feelings of panic and anxiety, illogical behavior, provoking conflicts and scandals.

Often, close people who are close to the young mother have the feeling that she is consciously behaving in a strange and unrestrained way. Then they can make claims to her, respond with aggression, move away from contact. Such behavior can lead to increased depressive thoughts in a young mother and to the deterioration of her condition. In order for this not to happen, you should study the information on how it can occur   postpartum depression   with the goal of helping the woman in time and adjusting her emotional background.

Psychology of communication between a woman and a child

When a child is born, a rainbow and happy atmosphere reigns around him – the mother and close relatives carry him in their arms, buy toys, beautiful clothes, and equip the children’s room. Adults are pleased that their family has increased, and in a hurry to share this joy with others.

However, as practice shows, this is not always the case. Sometimes a young mother is not able to enjoy the birth of a baby with others. Anxieties and fears bother her. On their background, depression can easily develop. What is a woman afraid of after she became a mother?

For the life and health of the child. The baby is born small, dependent and defenseless. Seeing and understanding this, a woman may worry that something will happen to him – he will get sick, he will have problems with digestion, nervous system, speech, mental or physical development.Every woman has her own reasons for the development of such fears. If you do not get rid of them in time, anxiety will have a negative impact on communication between mother and baby.

The child, even if he was recently born, intuitively reads the psychological state of the mother, which means that all anxieties and fears are transmitted to him. Due to strong experiences, a woman cannot freely communicate with him, rejoice, care, dream of a happy future.

When   child   grows, then in all relies on the mother and her emotional state as well. Therefore, in order for him to develop in accordance with the norm, it is vitally necessary for him to be with his mother, who is confident, calm, happy and relaxed. A woman will reach this state if she trusts in the people around her and shares what is happening to her – perhaps her family or her husband will dissipate her anxieties, calm her, give her support or help.

Also, a mother can get rid of depressive thoughts, if she applies for psychological help on time.

How to treat depression after childbirth?

• Therapy by a psychologist or psychotherapist.
• Maximum care about your emotional and physical condition, peace of mind, well-being.
• The use of drugs – neuroleptics, tranquilizers, antidepressants.
• The maximum help and support of the young mother from her close ones — perhaps, while the woman is being treated, they will have to take the bulk of the responsibilities of caring for the baby.

Depression in children and adolescents is not a banal manifestation of a bad mood. Also, as in the adult world,   depression   – This is a disease from the group of serious emotional disorders that affects all aspects of a child’s life: health, development, quality of life. Depression is diagnosed in every 50th child and in every 20th adolescent, and many children go through this condition without diagnosis and treatment, which leads to serious deviations, and sometimes to suicides. We shall show RASSC on the causes, types and signs of the disease in childhood and school age.

Causes of Depression

Symptoms of depressive disorders in childhood vary considerably with the manifestations of the disease in adults. Due to this factor, as well as due to an insufficient level of attention to “children’s emotions”, the disease is often not noticed in time, and sometimes it goes undiagnosed and without any therapy.

The causes of depression, as well as in adults, can be endogenous (due to somatic diseases, pathologies, etc.) and exogenous, caused by emotional stress. In both cases, depression requires treatment, no matter how insignificant the cause of the disease may seem to parents.

Major factors leading to depression:

• pathologies of prenatal development, prenatal infections of the mother and fetus, a long period of hypoxia, including during childbirth, infant encephalopathy and other diseases affecting brain tissue, endocrine, and immune systems;
• features of relationships in the parental family, the style of raising a child;
• school relationships or conflicts in a different microsocial meaningful for children;
• teenage   age: adolescents are at increased risk of affective mental disorders due to physiological development (hormonal changes), attendant changes in appearance, and the socio-psychological aspects of personality formation;
• genetic predisposition to endogenous depression means an increased likelihood of developing a disorder with external provocation, diseases. The disease can occur with periods of remission and exacerbations, often manifested in adolescents than in early childhood;
• pronounced stressful situations: death of loved ones, divorce of parents, relocation, for adolescents – exams, undivided sympathies, elevated emotional, intellectual workloads, etc.

Manifestations of the disease, depending on the age of children

Children differ in the manifestation of depressive disorders due to the peculiarities of the age stage of development of the psyche. From a philistine point of view, children with signs of depression are rather “comfortable” in their upbringing, often submissive and obedient. A typical clinical picture with reduced mood, motor retardation and slow thinking in childhood practically does not occur, such symptoms can be observed only in adolescents and older patients. However, young children suffer from depression, only this disorder manifests itself in disguise, atypical.

The earliest age of onset of exogenous depression is about six months. As a rule, from this point on, separation from the mother or another significant adult becomes the main factor causing the disease. With a pronounced stage of the disease, a rather even, but little-emotional and joyless mood of a child with a sadly submissive facial expression draws upon himself . Children with depression are rather slow compared to their peers, do not pay special attention to new toys, activities, people. Unreasonable whims, manifestations of anxiety, negativism, etc. can be periodically noted.

Up to 7-8 years, the emotional side of symptoms in children is rather weak, and the main signs are the presence of motor and autonomic disorders:

• appetite distortions, including eating disorders – anorexia, overeating;
• sleep disorders – from insomnia and nightmares to sleepiness;
• nocturnal enuresis, signs of encopresis ;
• slowness, reduced motor activity;
• frequent complaints of headaches, pain in the abdomen, throat, etc.

All the symptoms characteristic of younger age (disturbance of appetite, sleep, enuresis, anxious and suspicious mood) are also manifested in younger schoolchildren in combination with more pronounced emotional manifestations.   diseases. From 7 to 11-12 years, the symptoms of depression can be expressed in a decrease in interest in hobbies, isolation, lethargy, impaired attention and memory, which leads to difficulties with studies.

Symptoms and types of disorders in adolescents

Adolescents with depression are more pronounced emotional, mental symptoms of the disease, a violation of social ties. Common manifestations that can be seen in patients from 12-14 years old include:

• loss or marked reduction in the ability to enjoy ( agedonia ), indifference to former interests;
• increased irritability up to previously unusual aggressiveness, gloomy, low mood;
• decrease in the level of activity, slowness;
• disturbances of appetite, taste preferences;
• reduced academic performance, negative or indifferent attitude to study;
• introversion as a previously closed symptom of a child;
• sleep problems;
• headache, other manifestations of the hypochondria equivalent without a physiological cause of the symptoms;
• suicidal statements, interests, judgments about their inferiority, guilt, unworthiness, low value : “I’m worse than everyone, I’m no good, I don’t need anyone, why should I live”.

Depression is often preceded by a long period of dysthymia, depression, low mood. Some depressed adolescents have classic signs of disorder; in others, the disease may be atypical, in a disguised form. All options require treatment: a teenager without therapy, especially if parents are in conflict with him due to a decline in performance, inaction, a reluctance to “correct”, may move to a more severe stage of the disease, requiring placement in a hospital because of the risk of suicidal behavior.

It is important to know that a depressive disorder at a given age is often disguised as psychopathic behavior, delinquent behavior: the use of alcohol, drugs, extreme sports and entertainment, associated with a high risk of injury. The teenager is unable to understand what is happening to him, and is trying to get rid of painful experiences with the help of drugs or thrills.

Depression is a severe emotional state of a person, during which he loses the ability to enjoy life. Dealing with depressive thoughts alone is difficult and undesirable. Therefore, to do this, it is better to seek professional help from a psychologist or psychotherapist.

This work can be long and difficult, take a lot of time and “pull” out heavy emotions. Going through personal therapy and enlisting the support of a specialist, a person will be able to understand himself and the causes of his problems, begin to feel the vitality and desire for life. You should not try to cope with depression yourself – this can lead to a deterioration of the state of mind and health. You can work on yourself, subject to the passage of individual therapy from a psychologist. What you need to know and remember, trying to overcome a depressive state?

Depression – a reason to think about yourself

During stresses and experiences that can lead to depression, a person thinks less about himself. He suffers, he is sad and sad, he does not want to live, because something terrible, bad, terrible has happened in his life, something with which he cannot cope or does not want to accept. The most popular causes of exogenous depression are divorce and separation, death and illness of loved ones, difficult living conditions, unbearable   relations   in the family, the loss.

A serious emotional state of the human psyche can cause any events if they cause pain, upset, take away the strength and desire to live on.

Depressed dreams, unconfirmed expectations, disappointment in yourself and people, unjustified hopes, collapsed plans, waste of time and effort can cause depression. Man falls into it because he is not able to accept and experience an event from the outside world. As a result of the resulting stress, he concentrates only on what happened, without thinking at all about himself.

The situation is aggravated and   depression   begins to “flourish” when a person forgets that he has needs and feelings, that his life goes on and that he still has levers of influence on her. It is impossible to overcome it if the attention of the individual is constantly focused on the traumatic factor. Therefore, one of the ways to overcome it is to stop thinking about what happened and start listening to yourself. You can start with the questions: “How do I live?”, “What do I think about?”, “What am I doing (or not doing) every day?”, “How do I help myself improve my emotional state?”, “To help me wanted for yourself?”.

Suffering is not forever

When a person is ill, he is inclined to think that it will be like this all the time and henceforth from now on – this is one agony and anxiety. Trying to get out of depression, one should understand and accept the fact that there is nothing eternal and permanent and suffering in the world, even if they are very strong now, they will end one day. A person can bring this moment closer if he feels motivation and desire for another life – full, joyful, active, healthy.

The human psyche is changeable

When people are depressed, they tend to form a certain opinion about their personality. So a woman who does not have a relationship with the opposite sex can begin to think that being lonely and not needed by anyone is her fate, the “cross,” which she will have to bear all her life. Such thoughts do not bring joy, do not contribute   growth and change, on the contrary – they are immersed in a dark mood, which is deposited on the appearance and character.

A person, if he does not consider himself worthy of a good one, by his behavior and attitude to life demonstrates this to people with whom he contacts. Trying to get out of depression, you can not “put a cross on yourself,” thinking that someone else deserves happiness.

A person gets the opportunity to change relations with others – to get married after many unsuccessful attempts, to make true friends, to establish contact with parents – if he thinks about changes in his   psyche. The mental processes of the personality are changeable and plastic – all you have to do is start thinking and treating yourself and others around you in a different, new way.

Attitude towards life can be controlled

A clear sign of a depressive state is the decline of internal forces and unwillingness to do something to improve life. In this state, a person believes that nothing depends on him. This is not true. Being in a sound mind and a solid memory, there is always an opportunity to change oneself, one’s attitude to the world around and people, to learn to control thoughts and behavior. The habit of relying on yourself and taking control of your situation will help to change your life for the better.

Help from others may be helpful

Depression is often characterized by loneliness and unwillingness to communicate. Trying to help yourself cope with it, it is important to remember that support and communication with other people – colleagues, friends, relatives, loved ones – can contribute to a speedy mental recovery.Sincere love and support of others can become an example of how to relate to your personality – take care of yourself, experience, help.

Do not deny heavy feelings

Not to notice depression is to avoid what it carries with it. As a rule, these are tears, fatigue, strong emotional experiences, fears, anxieties, pain. In order to help yourself to go through painful emotions, you need to give up the habit of pretending that they are not there, to keep with the last strength, keeping a mask of fun and well-being on your face.

Living hard feelings means talking about your pain as much as you want, not hiding tears, screaming if there is a need for it. You should not do this on your own – best of all, if there is a psychologist next to you who can not only support but also find the right words to go through the painful stage.

“No” habit of being a victim

A person who is depressed is in danger of falling into the role of victim for a long time. This means that he can form such habits in behavior as: infinitely pity himself, envy the strength and well-being of others, complain, constantly admit his impotence, suffer from disorder or illness, but do nothing to change the situation. Unconsciously playing the role of a victim, a person gradually gets used to the fact that everyone regrets him and tries to help. At the same time, he loses the ability to manage his life independently and ceases to feel responsibility for his words and deeds.

Wanting to cope with depression, you need to once and for all refuse to play the role of victim. The first thing to do for this is to recognize the power and ability to control yourself and your life.

Experts from the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) argue that depression in a man significantly reduces his fertility and leads to infertility couples. Female depression does not have such a significant effect on the conception of a child.
Scientists analyzed data on 1.65 thousand women and 1.6 thousand men. In previous studies it was claimed that among people undergoing treatment for infertility, some symptoms of depression are observed in 40% of women and in more than half of men. In this study, depression was detected in 6% of women and 2.3% of men.
The vast majority of women took antidepressants. But due to the side effects of some drugs, 3.5 times more often they suffered from miscarriage in the first trimester than women who did not receive treatment.
Men were much more vulnerable to the disease. If a strong half of the couple had depression, the chances of conceiving were reduced by 60%. Studies show that these men have a much lower sperm concentration in sperm than healthy people.
Scientists point out that more research is needed to study the mechanisms of the effect of depression on male fertility. The psychological aspects of the problem are intuitively understood, the researchers emphasize, but at the physiological and biochemical level they have yet to be clarified.